Help me give my students an opportunity to use a variety of tools in the process of learning what STEM and the Design Process entail by using a marble run maze, a robot mouse, and microscope slide set.
This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
My students are future STEM leaders. They are so inquisitive I almost cannot keep up!
They seek out answers in a world filled with questions.
They satiate their curious minds through their discoveries.
They uncover the world around them one activity at a time.
Together we grow into STEM leaders.
My students respond best to authentic hands-on learning during our regular class time and STEMspace days. During this time we build our connections with peers and their teacher, creating a safe and fun learning environment. I especially enjoy the next time that I see these students after a STEMspace day, they seem to be extra aware of the world around them. I only see each of my classes (17 in total) once a week for 45 minutes. This time is jam-packed with science and engineering inquiry based learning, hands-on activity, and time to share and discuss our findings.
Our school is at 99% free and reduced lunch, students come from the surrounding low-income neighborhoods.
My Project
As we near the 8th week of STEM class, we have already grown exponentially. I see curiosity sparking in each student and an increase of questions about their world. I realized my student were flourishing under hands-on activities. I took to Teachers Pay Teachers and Pintrest to find more ideas that focused on using the Engineering Design Process.
I found the Makerspace!
I had heard of such a space before but the implications didn't click until I saw it online. I decided to test this idea on a small scale with a few of my 17 classes. It was one of those 'teacher moments' where I was so proud of my students and fell in love with the profession all over again.
Our current Makerspace/STEMspace includes: K'nex, Legos, Foam Shapes, Omnifix cubes, dominos, and playdough. Each of these materials has task cards for the students to use in creating a piece. There is also a worksheet available for them to create their own unique piece using the Engineering Design Process and share with their peers.
However this is STEM, we don't simply focus on engineering! I see this project becoming a STEMspace where they can explore the meaning of STEM and learn where their new skills can take them. I would like to incorporate circuitry with Snap Circuits, where students can learn the basics of electricity to apply in later lessons. The Code and Go Robot Mouse has already been tested in our classroom, thanks to one of our second grade teachers lending us one. My older grades also use Code Combat during this STEMspace time! Another bin includes student microscopes and a 'What I See' worksheet. The addition of these microscope slides can show students the invisible world. The Gravity Marble set, Legos, and base plates add more!
Learning Resources Code & Go Robot Mouse
• Amazon Business
$22.91
3
$68.73
ThinkFun Gravity Maze Marble Run Logic Game and STEM Toy for Boys and Girls Age 8 and Up – Toy of the Year Award Winner
• Amazon Business
$29.95
2
$59.90
AmScope PS100A Prepared Microscope Slide Set for Basic Biological Science Education, 100 Slides, Set A, Includes Fitted Wooden Case
• Amazon Business
$51.99
1
$51.99
Snap Circuits Classic SC-300 Electronics Exploration Kit | Over 300 STEM Projects | 4-Color Project Manual | 60 Snap Modules | Unlimited Fun
• Amazon Business
$45.99
1
$45.99
Strictly Briks Classic Baseplates 6" x 6" Building Brick Baseplates 100% Compatible with All Major Brands | Base Plates for Building Towers, Tables, and More! | 24 Baseplates in 24 Fun Colors
• Amazon Business
$34.99
1
$34.99
EXERCISE N PLAY Building Bricks -Regular Colors 500 Pieces -Compatible with All Major Brands Include Mesh Bag
• Amazon Business
$18.99
1
$18.99
Materials cost
$280.59
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$4.21
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$314.80
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$55.55
Total project goal
$370.35
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$370.35
8 Donors
-$338.80
Donations toward project cost
-$314.80
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Young and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
